When selecting the right material for your commercial door, several factors must be considered. Two commonly used materials for commercial doors are aluminum and steel. Both materials offer unique advantages and have specific applications where they excel.
Authority Dock & Door dives into the differences between aluminum and steel doors, helping you make an informed decision for your commercial facility.
Aluminum Doors
Aluminum is a lightweight and durable material, making it an excellent choice for commercial doors in various applications. Here are some key benefits of aluminum doors:
Weight: Significantly lighter than steel doors, which makes them ideal for large doors or areas where weight is a concern. The lightweight nature of aluminum doors allows for easier operation, reducing the strain on door hardware and mechanisms.
Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, providing excellent resistance to corrosion. This makes aluminum doors a preferred choice in environments where moisture, humidity, or corrosive substances are present, such as coastal areas or industrial facilities.
Aesthetic Appeal: Offer a sleek and modern appearance. They can be customized with a wide range of finishes, including anodized or powder-coated options, allowing you to match the door’s design with your facility’s aesthetics.
Thermal Efficiency: Can be equipped with thermal breaks and insulation materials, enhancing their energy efficiency. This feature is essential in facilities where temperature control is crucial, such as warehouses or refrigerated storage areas.
Steel Doors
Steel, renowned for its robustness and longevity, is an exceptional material for commercial doors used in a wide array of applications. Some key advantages of steel doors are as follows:
Security and Durability: Can provide exceptional strength and resistance to impact, making them an excellent choice for high-security applications. They are highly resistant to forced entry, vandalism, and extreme weather conditions, offering peace of mind for property owners.
Fire Resistance: Possess excellent fire-resistant properties, which can be crucial in buildings where fire safety is a priority. They can withstand high temperatures, and help contain fires, providing valuable time for evacuation and reducing property damage.
Longevity: Have a longer lifespan compared to many other materials. They are highly resistant to wear and tear, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas where durability is essential. With proper maintenance, steel doors can serve your facility for many years.
Design Versatility: While aluminum doors excel in sleek, modern designs, steel doors offer more versatility in design options. They can be customized with various finishes, textures, and panel configurations, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic while maintaining strength and durability.
Choosing the Right Material
Analyze the operations of your business to identify unique needs and priorities to guide your decision-making process when choosing between aluminum and steel doors for your commercial establishment. Ensure to do this in line with the specific requirements of your company. Here are some factors to consider:
Purpose: Determine the primary function of the door. Is security the top a priority, or is it more important to have a lightweight and aesthetically appealing door?
Location and Environment: Assess the environment the door will be exposed to. If the door is subjected to corrosive elements or extreme weather, aluminum’s corrosion resistance or steel’s durability and weather resistance should be considered.
Budget: Evaluate your budget and long-term cost implications. While steel doors may have a higher upfront cost, their longevity, and durability can result in lower maintenance and replacement expenses.
Energy Efficiency: When energy efficiency is a concern, consider the thermal properties of the door material and whether additional insulation options are available.
Making the Decision Between Aluminum and Steel for Your Commercial Door with Authority Dock & Door
Selecting aluminum or steel doors for your facility depends on your needs: aluminum offers lightness and corrosion resistance, while steel provides more security and durability.
By considering your facility’s requirements and consulting with professionals like Authority Dock & Door, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the functionality and longevity of your commercial door. Contact the commercial door experts at Authority Dock & Door today.